Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  So Much Fun!! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By UTFan - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is unbelievably fun to drive. Handles beautifully. We have had some problems getting our phone to work. Been back to the dealer 3 times and still are having problems. The other problem is that the vehicle is so fun to drive that I do not care about the phone situation. VERY fast and handles VERY well...and oh the looks that it gets. I am afraid that we are going to cause an accident.

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  Solid, and classy - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Techmaniac - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Who would have known that a four door sedan would handle like a rocket ship. I had a littl 318, and the 5 was a definite step up in life. The power and feeling from the engine are great for any driver who likes to have complete control.

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  ...wow - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By GolfGod325 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and it was a great one. Everything was easier than expected to repair (ex. headlights, brakelights, etc.). I am definately going to keep buying BMWs forever.

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  I LOVE MY X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By LA95CAM - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my X5. Before I purchased my X5 I drove a few other luxury SUVs and found that the X5 was the best overall in handling, comfort and performance.

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  2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By magic frog - July 22 - 12:03 pm

  I owned a 2007 BMW 530xi so I can tell you from experience that the new car is light years above the previous year in all areas. It out-performs it, it is built better, it handles better, and although most of the changes were subtle, they were in the right place, such as the window controls on the dirvers side. This vehicle is a veritable rocket for a 6 cylinder car this is amazing. I also own a late model Mercedes with a 382hp 8 cyl that can barely stay in the same room with the BMW performance wise.

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  This thing rocks! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By SteveW - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Saab 9000 turbo, a Range Rover, a BMW 6-Series, etc. All-in-all, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its "subtle", esp. w/the 6 cyl. Its so competent, so smooth, esp. with the auto trans., that it took me awhile to realize the many ways in which it excels. Just take a 5-Series on a road trip.....10 miles out, youre thinking, "OK, I could drive to Canada right now, no problem!" I used to wish for the V8, but the BMW 6 cylinders are legendary for reliability, smoothness, & make really nice sounds. The "Touring" model is a bonus all the goodness of a Five, but more distinctive, & with cargo capacity.

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  BMW 330Ci Convertible - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ohh_yay - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car, rides well and is a true pleasure... My first one was a lemon back at the end of 2003, the dealer exchanged it for the 2004 refreshed model with no fee charged to me. I would have to say the BMW buying experience is wonderfull and they are very helpfull if you end up at the right dealer (e.g. Stevens Creek BMW not Allison BMW). Ride is great, and comfy. The most amazing things is when you throw it into a curve with a sharp turn at high speeds it sticks like glue on the road. Try that with your Mercedes and youll end up off the cliff!

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  Love That BMW! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Booking - July 21 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 330Ci is an outstanding car. Great looking and comfortable, it provides amazing performance in every category. The brakes let you "stop on a dime" without a fuss. The acceleration is really exciting and youll have passengers asking you to slow down before you even reach your desired speed. The cornering is beyond what you thought possible. Four six-foot people find comfort in its supple leather seats while the trunk provides a lot of space. When the top is up, youre in a very comforting and quiet vault. And, even though it is a convertible, the ride is as solid and commanding as youd expect in any high- performance BMW.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bagwhan - July 21 - 4:56 am

  This is an unbelievable car. I test drove the 535 with the twin turbo, but its no match for the smoothness and sheer grunt of the V8. I had a Mustang GT before this and this is faster, smoother and more fun. Mine is optioned to the max, with HD radio, Satellite radio, HUD, sport package, cold weather package, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Nav and so on. The 19 inch wheels look very cool! I also have the sport transmission, with paddle wheel shifters. So far, I have not used these that much. All in all a great car, that I highly recommend.

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  fun and pleasure - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jere - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have owned car about 16 months. Fun to drive, especially on trips. Some problems I wouldnt expect...radiator replacement, valve gaskets...but have found a reasonable repair shop. Looking for a 2001.